Items filtered by date: Monday, 31 August 2026

Centre Defers Census in Manipur

Imphal, August 31: The Union Government has deferred the Census exercise in Manipur following a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and senior officials. The demand for deferring the Census until implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state was discussed in detail. Chief Minister Khemchand welcomed the decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Nitin Nabin and others. He also appealed to civil society organisations to pursue dialogue instead of bandhs and strikes.

14 CSOs Say High Court Withholds Census Exercise

Imphal, August 31: Convenor of the 14 CSOs of Kangleipak, Shanta Nahakpam, said the High Court of Manipur has withheld the Census exercise in the state until further hearing. Speaking outside the High Court, Shanta said the 14 CSOs and Kangleipak Students’ Association had filed a PIL and writ petitions concerning the Census. He said the matter was heard by a Special Bench today and the next hearing has been fixed for October 12. Shanta said the organisations have been pursuing the issue since 2021 and reiterated the demand for NRC updation before the Census. He urged MLAs to raise the issue during the ongoing Assembly session.

JFD Announces 24-Hour General Strike

Imphal, August 31: The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has decided to proceed with a 24-hour general strike from midnight tonight until midnight on September 1, stating that the Centre has not taken a concrete decision on NRC updation before the Census. Speaking at the JFD temporary camp at Soibam Leikai Wangkhei Khunou, Campaign Committee Organisation Secretary Longjam Ratan appealed to the public, government employees and others to support the strike. JFD said media, fire and emergency services, healthcare institutions, religious institutions and other essential services would remain exempted. The announcement came amid continued demands for NRC updation before the Census exercise.

Ramdas Athawale Backs NRC Demand in Manipur

Imphal, August 31: RPI-Athawale National President and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has extended full support to the demand for NRC updation in Manipur, with 1951 as the base year. Speaking at a programme at City Convention Centre during his two-day visit to the state, Athawale announced three key positions of the party on Manipur. These include NRC updation, Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei/Meetei community and restoration of lasting peace after the prolonged crisis. He also opposed the alleged settlement of illegal immigrants from Myanmar and said NRC should identify genuine citizens and illegal immigrants. Athawale said the party’s demands would be conveyed to concerned Union Ministers.

Joykisan Supports Identification of Illegal Immigrants Before Census

Imphal, August 31: Thangmeiband MLA Kh. Joykisan has expressed concern over alleged illegal immigration and demographic imbalance in Manipur, supporting the demand to identify illegal immigrants before conducting the Census. He was speaking on the sidelines of a free health check-up and consultation programme for women organised by Mahavir International Imphal Chapter in collaboration with Lisa Aesthetic and Gynaecology at Chamber Hospital, Paona Bazar. Joykisan appealed to the public to adopt alternative forms of agitation instead of bandhs and general strikes, which he said cause hardship to ordinary people. He urged people to pursue their demands through democratic means while placing some trust in the government’s peace efforts.

‘No NRC, No Census’ Poster Campaign Launched in Lamlai

Imphal, August 31: A poster campaign demanding “No NRC, No Census” was launched in Lamlai Assembly Constituency today. The campaign was organised by political activist Sapam Kangleipal from his residence. Speaking during the launch, Kangleipal appealed to people to set aside political differences in the larger interest of Manipur’s future. He urged the public to speak with one voice on the demand for NRC updation before the Census. The campaign comes amid growing public opposition to conducting the Census without first identifying genuine citizens and alleged illegal immigrants. Similar campaigns and protests have been reported from different parts of the state in recent days.

Sticker Campaign Launched in Waikhong and Thongjao

Kakching, August 31: Arambai Tenggol units in Waikhong and Thongjao have launched a sticker campaign demanding “No NRC, No Census” in their respective areas along the Burma-Sugnu Road. Volunteers pasted stickers carrying the slogan on around 600 vehicles travelling through the areas. Posters were also put up at public places as part of the campaign. The initiative comes amid intensified public mobilisation demanding NRC updation before the Census exercise in Manipur. Several organisations and groups have launched similar awareness and protest campaigns across the state, urging the government to address concerns over demographic changes and alleged illegal immigration before proceeding with the population enumeration exercise.

OBC Convention Highlights Welfare Scheme Concerns

Kakching, August 31: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee’s OBC Department organised an OBC District Convention-cum-Felicitation Programme for NEET-qualified students at Sekmaijin Mayai Leikai Community Hall. MPCC OBC Department Chairperson Sakir Ahmed alleged that although OBC communities account for around 55 to 60 per cent of Manipur’s population, the benefits of government schemes are not reaching beneficiaries in full. The programme aimed to create awareness among OBC communities about welfare schemes offered by the Central and State Governments and explain how eligible beneficiaries can access them. NEET-qualified students were also felicitated during the programme, which focused on education, welfare and greater awareness of government support.

Jemandar Recruitment Candidates Demand Pending Results

Imphal, August 31: Candidates who appeared for recruitment to the 10th and 11th IRB/MR Jemandar posts have questioned the government’s failure to declare the results despite completion of the recruitment process. Speaking at Manipur Press Club, a candidate said 416 aspirants appeared for the Viva Voce and interview under a Central nominee system involving IG-level officers. The candidates described the recruitment process as transparent and questioned why the results have remained pending for nearly seven years. They pointed out that Rifleman recruitment results were declared and selected candidates have already completed training and joined service. The candidates urged the government to declare the pending results before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force.

Three Killed, Four Injured in Kangpokpi Clash

Kangpokpi, August 31: Three people, including two women, were killed and four others injured in a clash between armed Naga and Kuki groups at Teikhang Village along the Imphal-Tamei road this morning. At least three houses were also reportedly set ablaze. The incident occurred around 9 am, with all the deceased and injured reported to be residents of Teikhang Village. The deceased have been identified as Lamtinthang Lhoujem, Tingneichin Lhouvum and Hoineng Lhoujem. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Additional security forces have been deployed at the site. Kuki groups alleged involvement of NSCN (IM) and ZUF, though the claim has not been independently verified.

Grenade Found Near Shija Hospital

Imphal, August 31: A hand grenade was reportedly found in front of a public toilet near Shija Hospital at Langol under Lamphel Police Station this morning. The explosive was discovered at around 7 am, following which Lamphel Police reached the spot and secured the area. Police personnel safely recovered the grenade without any untoward incident. The discovery comes amid heightened security concerns in different parts of Manipur. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances under which the grenade was placed near the public facility and identify those responsible. No casualty or property damage was reported in connection with the incident.

Naloxone to Be Made Widely Available in Manipur

Imphal, August 31: The Directorate of Health Services, Manipur has announced wider availability of Naloxone as part of International Overdose Awareness Day 2026, observed under the theme “25 Years On, Still Needed.” Director of Health Services Dr. N. Hemantakumar said Naloxone is a life-saving medicine used to reverse opioid overdoses involving substances such as heroin, morphine, methadone and fentanyl. He said the medicine, listed in the National List of Essential Medicines 2022, will be made available at government hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, Urban Primary Health Centres and other authorised health facilities. The initiative aims to help prevent deaths caused by opioid overdose.

Okram Joy Questions Short Assembly Session

Imphal, August 31: Veteran politician Okram Joy has questioned the decision to hold the upcoming Manipur Assembly session for only a few days, saying the prevailing situation requires a longer and more meaningful discussion. Speaking to media at his Kakwa residence, Joy noted that the session is scheduled from September 2 to 7, with September 4 being a Janmashtami holiday. He questioned whether issues including the ongoing crisis, NRC and population-related concerns can be adequately discussed within such a limited timeframe. Joy also pointed out that the short session would not provide an opportunity for Private Members’ Business, which is generally taken up on Fridays.

Okram Joy Demands Classical Language Status for Manipuri

Imphal, August 31: Veteran politician Okram Joy has alleged that the failure to grant Classical Language status to Manipuri reflects a lack of political determination by governments at the Centre and in the state. Joy recalled efforts by former Lok Sabha MP Y. Yaima to secure recognition for Manipuri, which was eventually included as the eighth language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution following a parliamentary amendment in 1992. He also noted that Manipuri received the Sahitya Akademi Award as early as 1973. Joy asserted that Manipuri meets the prescribed criteria for Classical Language status and described recognition as a constitutional and civilisational right of the language and its speakers.

Government Working to Get Lai Haraoba UNESCO Recognition

Imphal, August 31: Manipur Government is making efforts to have Lai Haraoba, the state’s traditional cultural festival, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Joint Director of Art and Culture G. Dharmadas made the statement at the closing ceremony of a 15-day Pena workshop held at Lainingthou Sanamahi Shanglen, Haying Khongbal Uphong, Imphal. He described Lai Haraoba as a cultural tradition reflecting the history and heritage of Manipur. The workshop concluded with certificates being presented to 33 Pena artists. The initiative is part of efforts to preserve and promote the state’s traditional cultural practices and secure wider national and international recognition for Manipur’s intangible cultural heritage.

Patriots Month 2026 Concludes at Manipur University

Imphal, August 31: Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) concluded its month-long Patriots Month 2026 with a closing function at Manipur University Auditorium today. The programme was jointly organised by AMMIK and Manipur University Students’ Union. AMMIK General Secretary K. Bobin said various programmes were conducted at schools, colleges and other locations across the state during the month to remember artistes of the past and inspire love for the land. The closing programme brought the month-long observance to an end, with members of both organisations participating. The initiative sought to connect cultural remembrance with awareness among younger generations about Manipur’s heritage and contributions of earlier artistes.

Banks Urged to Extend Loans Under CMESS

Imphal, August 31: Director of Institutional Finance Department Ahanthem Subash has appealed to banks to provide loans to beneficiaries who have completed training under various government schemes. He made the appeal during the concluding ceremony of the seven-day 11th Edition of the Entrepreneur Development Programme under the Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship Support Scheme at City Convention, Palace Compound. Subash stressed the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and urged trained youths interested in starting businesses to make effective use of government schemes. He said the government is reviewing applications submitted under CMESS to determine which banks have received applications and whether loans were sanctioned or rejected. Entrepreneurs and Babina Group Chairman Th. Dhabali attended the programme.

Farmer Inputs Distributed to 160 Beneficiaries

Bishnupur, August 31: Farmer inputs, including sprinkler pump sets, fertilisers and oil seeds, along with PM-JAY Health Cards, were distributed to 160 beneficiaries at Oinam Public Hall, Ushak Khangdabi. The programme was jointly organised by Sanaleibak Organic Farmers Producer Company Limited and Modern Era Farmers Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited under the Farmer Welfare and Input Facilitation Program. Seven sprinkler pump sets and two additional pump sets, along with agricultural inputs and health cards, were handed over to beneficiaries. Cultural activist Dr. Thingbaijam Swarankumar, Oinam Municipal Council Vice Chairperson O. Moirangningthou, District Agriculture Officer L. Rashitombi and District Horticulture and Soil Conservation Officer S. Sushila attended the programme.

Rescued Sambar Deer Handed Over to Eroisemba Zoo

Imphal, August 31: A sambar deer that strayed from the hills was rescued and safely handed over to Eroisemba Zoo. Members of Langol Pioneer Club rescued the deer after it was found at Langol Yumjaomanbi Leikai. With assistance from volunteers of Uripok Apunba Lup, the animal was safely transported and handed over to officials of the zoo. The coordinated rescue operation ensured that the animal was moved away from the residential area without harm. The incident highlights the need for timely intervention when wild animals stray into populated areas, while also underscoring the role of local clubs and volunteers in assisting authorities in protecting wildlife and ensuring its safe rehabilitation.

Orange Warning Issued for Ukhrul

Imphal, August 31: The India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre, Imphal has forecast rain in Manipur today and tomorrow, with an Orange Warning issued for parts of Ukhrul district. Heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is possible in the warned areas. On September 1, rainfall is likely across many parts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, Imphal East, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Jiribam, Noney, Tengnoupal, Chandel and Pherzawl districts. Some areas of Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching and Churachandpur may also receive rain. The ICAR Agrometeorological Unit at Lamphelpat reported around 29 mm of rainfall in Manipur today.

Manipur Wins 31 Medals at North East Zone Shooting Championship

Imphal, August 31: Manipur secured 31 medals at the 13th North East Zone Shooting Championship 2026 held at Guwahati Sports Shooting Range, Kahilipara, Assam. The state won seven gold, 15 silver and nine bronze medals at the championship organised by the Assam Rifle and Shooting Association under the National Rifle Association of India. The competition was held from August 25 to 30. Host Assam emerged as the overall team champion with 80 medals, including 39 gold, 21 silver and 20 bronze. Manipur’s 31-medal haul included strong performances across different events and added another notable achievement to the state’s growing record in shooting sports.